In recent years, the international community has observed with increasing concern the rise of anti-Indigenous initiatives in various parts of the world, with Australia and Brazil being prominent examples.
And the implications of these movements are far-reaching and multifaceted but one of the most urgent is that in Brazil–where Indigenous lands and the environment are inextricably linked–the stakes have never been higher.
Because Indigenous populations are not just the original stewards of their lands; they also protect the earth’s most vital resources. And Indigenous Brazilians have guarded almost a quarter of all terrestrial biodiversity.
Indigenous peoples are estimated to safeguard nearly 80% of the planet’s remaining biodiversity.
Given this, Brazil’s ‘marco temporal’, a legal theory designed to limit Indigenous claims to land, is more than an affront to Indigenous rights–it’s a direct threat to the global environment.
And the argument for adopting ‘marco temporal’ is rooted in economic interests.
The Brazilian agribusiness sector, wielding tremendous influence over Brazil’s Congress, views Indigenous territories as impediments to growth. Under this doctrine, Indigenous communities would need to prove their residence on specific lands since 1988, when the Brazilian constitution was ratified, to maintain their claims. And the sinister implications are clear: strip Indigenous people of their rights, open up vast tracts of land to extractive industries, and let profit reign supreme.
With former president Jair Bolsonaro’s tenure seeing a devastating 56% increase in Amazon deforestation, destroying an estimated 13,000 square miles of land. Out of this, almost 965 square miles of Indigenous territories were lost to extractive industries.
And ‘Marco temporal’ would only accelerate these troubling trends, further endangering the already fragile Amazon rainforest–a critical carbon sink and the “lungs” of our planet.
But what’s even more disheartening is the blatant disregard for legal precedent.
After Brazil’s Supreme Court deemed ‘marco temporal’ unconstitutional, Brazilian lawmakers audaciously moved forward with legislation that would make it legal, undermining the judiciary’s autonomy and the rule of law.
And understandably, International Indigenous rights advocacy groups and global watchdogs are raising their voices against this injustice.
The outcry from a coalition of Indigenous Brazilian organizations, who have reached out to the United Nations, highlights the potentially fatal consequences of this bill, not only for their communities but also for our shared global environment.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, popularly known as Lula, is in a challenging position. With promises of recognising Indigenous land claims and halting illegal mining on their territories, he now faces the choice of approving or vetoing the ‘marco temporal’ bill.
But even if he chooses to veto, the power still rests with lawmakers, who can override this decision.
So for Brazil, and indeed the world, much hangs in the balance.
Prioritising short-term economic gain over the rights of Indigenous peoples and the health of our planet is a dangerous game. And one hopes Brazil will choose wisely, understanding that the fate of its Indigenous people and the health of our planet are deeply intertwined.
Because the broader implications of these actions ripple out, touching every corner of the globe.
And as we stand on the precipice of an environmental tipping point, decisions like these have global consequences. If Brazil continues down this path, it won’t just be the Indigenous communities that pay the price; we all will.
Furthermore, cultural and historical aspects should not be overlooked.
Because Indigenous cultures are reservoirs of millennia-old traditions, languages, and wisdom, we risk losing the rich tapestry of diverse cultures that make our world a vibrant mosaic by undermining their rights and dispossessing them of their lands. Such actions aren’t just a loss for the communities directly affected; they are a loss for all of humanity.
And historically, colonisation and its lasting impact have been one of the most significant forces driving the displacement and marginalisation of Indigenous peoples. With ‘Marco temporal’ and initiatives like it are reminiscent of these dark chapters. In an age where we ought to seek reconciliation and celebrate diversity, such policies push us in the opposite direction.
Yet, amid the adversity, there is a silver lining.
The global outcry against these anti-Indigenous initiatives shows that many people across the world stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities. It’s a testament to the growing recognition of the rights of Indigenous peoples and the acknowledgment of their invaluable role in safeguarding our planet.
And Brazil has an opportunity to be a beacon for the world, showcasing how a nation can balance economic development with the preservation of cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.
But such an approach requires looking beyond short-term gains and envisioning a future where prosperity doesn’t come at the expense of our planet or its original inhabitants.
And the struggle against anti-Indigenous initiatives, particularly in Brazil, isn’t just about land rights–it’s about recognising the intrinsic value of every culture and understanding the indispensable role that Indigenous communities play in global sustainability.
It’s high time the world recognises this, and more importantly, acts upon it.
